SDMA Cold Weather Update 1-21-26
Posted on 01/21/2026
Dear SDMA Families and Staff,
The health and safety of students and staff are a top priority in the SDMA. Everyone in the district office will be keeping a close eye on the forecast for Friday morning. We know that it is very important for our children to be able to attend school, but schools sometimes need to be closed due to inclement weather.
Right now it is looking like schools in the SDMA should be able to stay open on Friday, but families may want to refer to this wind chill chart from the National Weather Service when making family decisions. It is currently anticipated that Friday morning will be within the threshold where frostbite could occur in 30 minutes, so extra care should be taken when going outside for any sustained periods of time. Students driving themselves to school should be sure to have winter clothes in their vehicle in case something unexpected happens.
If the forecast changes to the point where wind chills will be sustained and frostbite can be anticipated in 10 minutes or less, schools will be closed on Friday and the SDMA will have a remote learning day.
In preparation for a possible remote learning day, please review the Protocols for Remote Learning Days for guidance on student learning/expectations, and please take note of the following items:
- 4K-5 students will access their content through a prepared classroom packet that will be sent home in take home folders.
- 6-12 students will access their content through Google Classroom/Weekly Checklist. (Assignments/expectations will be posted no later than 9:00 AM on the remote learning day.)
- It is expected that all K-12 students complete classroom assignments/activities as directed by the classroom teacher for grading.
- Students are encouraged to reach out to their teacher(s) with questions they may have during the remote learning day.
- Students in grades 6-12 who do not have the ability to connect remotely are expected to follow the district’s makeup policy for any assignments not able to be completed during the remote learning day.
Thankfully, Menomonie Transportation is ready to operate school buses in very cold temperatures, and facilities in the SDMA are outfitted with HVAC systems that do a good job maintaining safe (and mostly comfortable) temperatures. With that noted, it would still be a good idea to dress a little warmer when the outside temperatures are below zero.
No matter what is decided for having school Friday, it is up to families to determine what is appropriate and safe for your child(ren).
Thank you.
Joe Zydowsky
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Joseph E. Zydowsky, PhD
District Administrator
School District of the Menomonie Area
215 Pine Avenue NE
Menomonie, WI 54751
[email protected]
www.twitter.com/joezydowsky
Phone: (715) 232-1642